“I believe that Damon Dunn will bring transparency to City Hall so that residents are given the information on how and why decisions are made that impact this city,” City Councilwoman Gerrie Schipske said in a statement endorsing Dunn for mayor. (File photo by Brittany Murray/Long Beach Press-Telegram)

LONG BEACH >> The first of the top mayoral candidates who did not advance to the June 3 runoff has offered an endorsement in the race.

Councilwoman Gerrie Schipske said Wednesday that she is endorsing real estate investor and former NFL player Damon Dunn, who finished second on April 8 to Vice Mayor Robert Garcia. The two will face off against next month.

“I believe that Damon Dunn will bring transparency to City Hall so that residents are given the information on how and why decisions are made that impact this city,” Schipske said in a statement.

Schipske also credited Dunn for his pledge to bring a new ethics code when in office, and for running a “good, truthful, positive campaign” in the primary.

Schipske earned 15.29 percent of the vote in the primary election on April 8 and finished fourth. Garcia, the first place finisher, received 25.24 percent, followed by Dunn with 22.61 percent.

The councilwoman was strongest in winning the 5th Council District, which she represents. Schipske grabbed 32.77 percent there, more than 11 percentage points ahead of Dunn, the next closest competitor.

The district was the second-highest voting in the mayoral election.

Contact Eric Bradley at 562-499-1254.

About the Author

Eric Bradley covers Long Beach City Hall and politics. He joined the Press-Telegram in August 2011 and previously reported for the Daily Breeze and the Cincinnati Enquirer. Reach the author at eric.bradley@langnews.com
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